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Friday, June 24, 2016

A-10 Warthogs sent to South China Sea

The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is a single seat, twin-engine, straight wing jet aircraft developed by Fairchild-Republic for the United States Air Force. Its official name comes from the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. The A-10 is more commonly known by its nicknames "Warthog" or "Hog". The A-10 was designed for close-in support of ground troops, close air support, providing quick-action support for troops against helicopters, vehicles, and ground troops. It entered service in 1976.

The A-10 was designed around the 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon, which is its primary armament.

Its airframe was designed for durability, with measures such as 1,200 pounds (540 kg) of titanium armor to protect the cockpit and aircraft systems

Its short takeoff and landing capability permits operation from airstrips close to the front lines, and its simple design enables maintenance with minimal facilities.

A US Air Force detachment of five A-10 Warthogs were recently sent to the Philippines. These temporary air contingents were established in the wake of the Philippine Supreme Court’s final approval of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and the identification of five bases to which US forces would gain access.